The Parker Chronicle wrote a fantastic article about The Organic Backyard.  The print version even had a great photo of Farmer Joe posing by our own, large 2-section compost bin.

Organic gardens grow in popularity

Never had a green thumb? Well, don’t worry. One man’s mission is to help ordinary people develop the organic garden they’ve always wanted.

Parker resident Joe Frankovitch, better known as Farmer Joe, is becoming the man to call for backyard gardening help. With a degree in plant biology, a landscape design certificate and a passion built from childhood, Farmer Joe answers prayers — and gardening questions — during the spring and summer.

He created The Organic Backyard, a new company that helps regular homeowners plan, build, grow and enjoy a garden in their backyard. Whether it’s looking for a start or a weekly maintainer, Farmer Joe is trained to do it all. The business began operations this spring when Joe moved to Colorado with his wife, Lara, who handles all the “businessy stuff” of the company, he said.

“I’ve always wanted to garden, eat local, organic, healthy food,” he said. “What could be more local than your own backyard?”

Farmer Joe is tapping into a niche that is quickly growing in popularity. Dozens of organic gardening Web sites have been established since people began realizing the health benefits, and cost savings, of growing their own vegetables.

“Your vegetables are going to be way fresher than that of a store,” Farmer Joe said. “Since they are organic, they taste better, have more nutrients and save you money.”

To start the journey with an organic garden, The Organic Backyard schedules a consultation to assess space and provide suggestions for the best sunlit place to plant produce. After that, Farmer Joe puts the organic garden into action based on each family’s needs, favorite vegetables and what will grow best in the backyard.

“Tomatoes, peppers, beans and lettuce seem to be some of the favorites to grow,” he said.

After the groundwork is laid for a “new organic lifestyle,” construction gets underway. Farmer Joe starts by laying down weather-resistant, raised cedar beds, which last up to 20 years.

The garden bed provides optimum drainage, a natural barrier to pests, and gives gardens a first-rate foundation from which to flourish. A 4-by-8 foot bed typically costs around $200-$250 and increases with the size of the garden.

In using compost-rich soils and organic fertilizers, the garden will begin to develop nutrient-rich soil equal to that which has had years of work and preparation.

Once the nutrient soil is laid down, the next step is to start growing. Not the “get in the dirt” type? Farmer Joe does that, too. If desired, he visits weekly to weed, prune, plant and maintain the “backyard farm,” he said.

“Most families want to maintain their garden together but for others I will come weekly to maintain their garden,” said Farmer Joe, who also is a stay-at-home dad.

This summer, Farmer Joe will work with The Parker Montessori School to provide them with the expertise needed to grow gardens around the school.

“I will be showing the students how to connect the food with the soil,” he said.

Growing a home vegetable garden greatly reduces human impacts on the environment, making The Organic Backyard his “organic food movement.” With friendly and informative guidance, growers can “develop a zest for life and nature that will benefit your family and your community,” he said.

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